Lib Dem’s promise to parents at playcentre

The pair were there to unveil the Lib Dem party’s plan to triple paternity leave for dads.

Jo, who is the Lib Dem minister for equalities and employment relations chatted with parents at Playtown at Wellington Road.

At the moment, dads are entitled to two weeks leave but Liberal Democrats want to offer them an extra four weeks.

Jo said: “Shared parental leave is my proudest achievement as a minister and I’m delighted that it finally becomes a reality this week.

“It will help drive a cultural change that champions the role of dads but we can go further to challenge the gender stereotypes that all too often write fathers off as hapless or bumbling. So today I’m calling for a dad revolution.

“Liberal Democrats want to triple paternity leave, to encourage new dads to spend more time with their child in those vital early weeks and months after birth.

“Most fathers want to spend more time with their new baby – and we know it makes a positive difference for children when they do.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg added: “To build a fairer society, the Liberal Democrats want to tear down the barriers that stop people reaching their full potential.

“For too long, mums have been told their place is at home with their child, while dads return to work.

“I want parents to choose for themselves how to balance work and family.”

Shared parental leave and pay is available to parents of babies due on or after April 5 this year.

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